Later

Jamie continues to see Therriault throughout the summer. On one occasion, when Jamie and Tia are at a baseball game, Jamie spots Therriault near the coach’s box. This time, Jamie shows him his middle finger. Therriault’s grin turns into a snarl.

Adult Jamie considers a question he never asked himself at the time: Why did the demon attach itself to him? He thinks it was simply because he was different. He also thinks that at this point, the Ritual of Chüd had already begun.

Young Jamie is still afraid of Therriault, but is almost ready to turn the tables. One day, he is on his way downstairs, preoccupied with thoughts of a touch football game and a girl he likes. He looks up and sees Therriault grinning at him in an enclosed hallway. Adult Jamie remembers thinking of something Professor Burkett told him—that there are many ways of initiating a ritual contest, and that the details don’t truly matter. The important thing is to grab hold of the demon and hold on.

Young Jamie throws himself at Therriault. He feels the world vibrate, shaking his teeth and eyeballs. He also feel something inside Therriault, something terrible that screams at him to let go.